Google and Warner Music Announce Video Ad Deal

Warner Music Group and Google just announced a new pact that will see WMG’s extensive music video collection available for free via Google Video.

Starting this month, users in the U.S. can watch any of the thousands of music videos, artist interviews, “behind-the-scenes” footage and other artist-related content from WMG on Google Video. In the coming months, users can also access audio-visual content from WMG through Google’s partner websites in its AdSense network. In addition, Google will develop technology that, when implemented, will enable users to include certain content from companies such as Warner Music Group in the videos they create and upload to Google Video.

The free videos will, of course, be supported by Google Adwords ads.

WMG will be able to monetize its music video content online by leveraging Google’s extensive advertiser network of hundreds of thousands of advertisers. WMG’s music video catalog will be sponsored by Google advertisers, making it free to all users. The resulting generated advertising revenue will be shared by WMG and Google. Besides providing ad-supported content on Google Video, select WMG’s music videos will immediately be available for purchase as downloads on Google Video for $1.99.

Google and WMG have big plans to ensure the videos are syndicated in as many places as possible.

In the coming months, WMG will also work with Google to distribute its substantial video collection to websites around the world via Google’s extensive AdSense publisher network, making it even easier for users to access free premium content while surfing the Web.